Family Season Shows

The wonder of theatre doesn’t have to be for just the adults in this world, it can be for the little ones too and Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival has just what you need. The 2011 Family Season offer shows that are a nice gentle introduction to theatre and will entertain all your little mites this Autumn. Take a look at these three shows on offer that will make enjoyable Family days out for both adults and children.

A SONATINA

A Sonatina from Denmark tells the tale of Little Red Riding Hood sparing none of the grisly bits with a very ferocious wolf. However, it’s not the classic version of the story as we all know it; a LIVE chicken and a newly laid egg play the main part in this gripping version where the beast that eats the granny and granddaughter is a potato ricer!

Gruppe 38 Theatre Company are well-travelled with their shows including Norway, Croatia, Estonia, the USA, Canada, and Japan and was last seen at the Festival with Hans Christian, You Must be an Angel and the mezmerising version of Hansel and Gretel (2009 Festival). A Sonatina which was nominated for the theatre award in the category Best Performance for Children in 2001 will be a very fine example of excellent theatre with a fresh approach to storytelling not to mention exceedingly funny. This performance is suitable for 6years and upwards. 

The star of the performance, the real –live chicken will be taking up 5 star lodging at the Ark with servants waiting both claw and beak on Dublin’s new celeb. We hope  she enjoys  her stay in Temple Bar and enjoys her new found fame.

BERNINNA

Berninna by Belgian theatre company Studio ORKA tells a story about finding the courage to start all over again and letting go the past. Berninna, the main character was a world famous pianist who made hearts beat faster and ice caps melt everywhere she played but now her fame is gone and she spends her days in a musty old house filled with mothballs and dusty trophies. 

Studio ORKA thrilled audiences at last year’s Festival with Lava and are back with the same cast for this Festival. Berninna will be an exceptionally funny performance mainly to do with the male actors, who play an eccentric cook and butler. This animated family performance, suitable from 8 years and upwards, is set in a big old house and succeeds in introducing children to some classical music. This will be a fun site specific performance!

KALEJDOSKOP

Danish theatre company Carte Blanche presents Kalejdoskop, a must see production that is taking place in the Banquet Hall at Smock Alley Theatre this October. Kalejdoskop is an interactive performance that is set in a sensorial labyrinth, a chamber of curiosities with art, nature, science that stimulates all the senses. Kalejdoskop will have you travelling inside a kaleidoscope where everything transforms into patterns, embarking on an expedition where you will be walking through crooked doors and crawling through narrow tunnels, to a never-ending universe.

If your family is fan of the Alice in Wonderland story this is definitely the adventure for you and is suitable from 8+ years. Carte Blanche have previously charmed Dublin with the 2008 The Attic Under the Sky and have returned to charm again with a performance like no other and an experience you will never forget!

The Family Season will run from Sept 29 – Oct 8 and for more information check out  www.dublintheatrefestival.com